(16 Apr 1997) English/Nat
Zaire's rebel leader Laurent Kabila met South African President Nelson Mandela on Wednesday to launch a round of talks aimed at ending the fighting in Zaire.
Kabila posed for photographers with Mandela before the two went into a private meeting in Cape Town, but they refused to answer questions from journalists.
Mandela has been playing a prominent role in the search for a resolution to the civil war in Zaire, but Kabila has ruled out a cease-fire.
South Africa was the site of the first face-to-face talks between negotiators for Zaire's government and the rebel alliance 10 days ago.
At the end of that first round of talks, both sides agreed they needed further discussions and a cease-fire to negotiate properly.
On Wednesday, shortly after his arrival in South Africa, rebel leader Laurent Kabila met President Nelson Mandela.
Later the same day, Kabila was due to take part in further talks with U-N special envoy Mohamed Sahnoun, South African Deputy President Thabo Mbeki and other officials.
Mandela - laughing with Kabila and journalists - commended the Zairian rebel leader for his part in organising the peace talks.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"You are quite right in asking him to shake hands because whatever progress was made in this matter, he was responsible for."
SUPER CAPTION: Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa
The light-hearted atmosphere was in stark contrast to Kabila's firm and serious manner earlier on Wednesday, just before he departed Lubumbashi for South Africa.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
Q: What is your opinion about the optimism of the U-N over the cease-fire?
"We will not relinquish power."
Q: What is your objective?
"It is Kinshasa, everybody knows it."
Q: How long is that going to take and what is stopping you?
"In three weeks' time. And I am very serious."
SUPER CAPTION: Laurent Kabila, Zairian rebel leader
It was not clear whether Kabila will talk directly with representatives from Zaire's government while he is in Cape Town.
No delegates representing Zaire's President Mobutu Sese Seko attended the photo session on Wednesday afternoon.
A U-N spokesman said Kabila's visit to South Africa had been arranged quickly and with little notice.
The talks are expected to continue Thursday.
Mobutu is under increasing domestic and international pressure to step down after nearly 32 years in power.
He has said he is willing to meet with Kabila.
Last week, Kabila called for the ailing dictator to resign or go into exile.
The guerrilla leader said he would return to Lubumbashi on Thursday to address a public rally - a common practice following the rebels' capture of major cities.
Zaire's second-largest city fell to Kabila's troops last week.
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